Trying to understand...

Do you ever wonder what in this world God is doing? Do you ever just see things happen and think to yourself...how can this be allowed? Why is this happening? What are people thinking? Where is God in this?
I'm having so much trouble wrapping my mind around things that are happening right now. I know that God is in control! But, I just wish I just could see what He was doing and why He is doing it.
Okay...okay, I know...suck it up and have faith. Maybe that's what I'm supposed to be learning. Not understanding but trusting that my Lord is in total and complete control. He knows and that's all that matters. Who am I to question Him?!
Just wish that sometimes I could see the picture that He sees!

Patch Work

In the past, a hole in a pair of jeans meant that it was time to be either donated or trashed. My how times have changed! A hole in a pair of jeans can be patched so easily! No need to think tacky denim patches on the outside of the jeans (my daughter would be horrified to wear a pair of jeans with that!).
Just turn the jeans inside out...

Then cut to size the patch and place over the hole....

Then iron...

When turned back right side out, it looks worn, but no hole.

Now walking in stores you will notice that the "worn" look is really in right now. So, no worries there!
Then the pairs of jeans that are just beyond patching, I cut off and either make shorts or capris.

I just cut, then measure and make sure both sides are equal. Roll once, iron and roll again and iron. Then take and tack at the inseams and in the middle of the roll, but making sure you don't go all the way thru, just catch inside roll. This way no stitch work can be seen, but the roll will stay in place. There you go! Easy! I like this too, because I am in control of the length of the shorts! I try to dress my daughter modestly and in today's society sometimes it's difficult to find shorts that is a respectable length.
Another tip, is that if your kids outgrow the jeans or pants in length, but they still fit in the waist, convert them to shorts or capris. It also gives you options when shopping at GoodWill or thrift stores. Always think out of the box. Autumn can still fit into a 6 in the waist, but they are too short in length. If she needs shorts, I can snag some size 6 at GoodWill and convert to shorts.
You can also jazz the shorts or capris up...go to your local craft store and get some cute transfers and iron them on. A little creativity goes a long way!

A part of being frugal is making do with what you have. How much money I have wasted by throwing things away that could be patched, fixed or re-purposed.

Family Day Celebrating Trent's Graduation!

As most of you know, we are on an extremely tight budget. But, your son graduating doesn't come around very often. So, we packed up for a day trip. We went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We ate breakfast at home before the road trip and took some snacks with us to eat on the road.
Once down there, we walked around and saw the sights (cheap and fun). Trent has been wanting a Henna Tattoo, so he got one of those. Here's a quick tip...eat early, after lunch but before dinner. You can get the "early bird" special. So, we ate around 3 and saved tons. Then they boys are big on racing go-carts. So, off to Nascar Park. Now, that could have been expensive, but we all agreed just 2 tracks a piece. Now, you may roll your eyes at that, but in the hot sun and standing in line for just those 2 tracks, my family was more than ready to go home. Something fun, but on the cheap! We had a great time! We laughed and just enjoyed being together and best of all....made memories!

Trent Graduates!!!

It's hard to believe that my Baby Boy has graduated high school! It seems like I just brought him home from the hospital! He has grown into a wonderful young man. When he graduated, he did so with Vocational Honors and Excellence in Technology Education. I am excited to see what the future holds for him.

But, on a completely selfish note...I don't want to let him go! I don't want him to be independent. I always want him here with me. I know I need to let go and let him be the man that God has called him to be. But, it's so hard to watch him grow up and start living his own life. I'm just praying that God will give me what I need to pull away and not be one of those smothering moms. I want to encourage him and support him, but not smother him.

So, while this is a celebration....it's also, so difficult for me to process that my precious little boy has become a bright, handsome and Godly young man.
Yes, I am truly blessed! I am part of his life...my part may be diminishing a little, but he will always be by precious Baby Boy!

Update on Life

Gosh, it's hard to believe that it's been almost 5 months since I have written on my blog! Wow!
Let's see, I have learned to do some canning!! I'm super excited! It's so easy y'all!! I can't believe that I was nervous over doing it! I made eight 8 oz. jars of strawberry jam! I can't wait to can some more! I do need to invest in some canning stuff, but I used regular stock pots and it worked out fine. You just make sure the jars do not rest on the bottom of the pot. I placed jar rings on the bottom and placed the jars on them to process. If you are nervous about trying...don't be!! I just followed the directions and went step by step and it worked out great!
I'm growing a bigger garden this year too. We worked really hard this spring clearing out a larger spot for the garden. Now, if my plants will cooperate and not die on me! Lol! My tomatoes are looking great, my cucumbers, squash and beans not so much.
On another note about veggies, we went to the Farmer's Market and I was amazed how much money you can save!! Soooo much cheaper than the grocery store!! The only draw back is that it's 30 minutes away.
We are still on a really tight budget...really tight! I won't go all into the financial stuff we have faced these past 6 months, but let me tell you....it has been ROUGH! Wouldn't you know it, as soon as we completed Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, things seemed to get worse! But, we are pressing on. Our emergency fund is gone, so we need to start all over on that. Ugh! I am struggling trying to figure out how to bring more money in. I even debated going back to work! I checked on summer and after school daycare...WOW! I wouldn't be bringing home more than I am now. It's crazy! I am praying that God will give me direction and wisdom! I'm so tired of being broke and in debt up to my eyeballs! Ugh!
I will try to do better in blogging. I can't believe that I have let it slip away like I have. I'm hoping to change that though!

Uses for White Vinegar!

Love, Love, Love White vinegar!! It has so many uses and it's CHEAP!! Lol! Yep, and we all know how cheap I am!
Vinegar can kill most mold, germs and bacteria because of it's acidity. It can be used to deodorize too. It can be used as a laundry booster, it makes the whites whiter and the colors brighter. It can also be used as a fabric softener.
You can pour it on weeds to kill them. Vinegar can deter ants too!
And did you know that white vinegar can remove hazy stains from inside of car windows. Speaking of windows...it can be diluted with water and used to clean windows.
It can tenderize meats, make the onion odor on your hands disappear and keep your eggs from cracking while boiling if you add a tablespoon to the water.
I have switched to using baking soda and vinegar cleaning my shower and tubs. Sprinkle the baking soda and spray vinegar on top and let it soak just for a 1 minute and scrub a little!! Clean and deodorized!!!
Give white vinegar a try! It's natural and cheap!!!

Fast and Quick Breakfast for the Kids

I don't know about you guys, but in the morning we struggle getting ready in time for school. So, I am constantly looking for quick and easy breakfasts that the kids can grab in a hurry. I do the typical cold cereal and pop tarts, but I wanted something more. So, I read where you can make pancakes and freeze them. Perfect, hot breakfast that will be fast, but I also need cheap! Looking at the pre-packaged pancakes, I soon discovered that they were pretty pricey considering what they are made of. So, I decided to make them on my own. I made 2 batches (24 pancakes) and placed them on a cookie sheet and placed them in the freezer. You keep them there for around 20 to 30 minutes remove and place in a freezer bag and place in the freezer.



The kids can grab the pancakes in the morning and heat in the microwave for 1 minute and there you go!!
It only took me around 10 minutes preparation time, and the kids have a hot breakfast in 1 minute!! Cheap, Easy and Quick!!